Found a lump

[TryingNotToPanic89]

I've just found a lump in my breast. About one inch above my left nipple, it's hard and painless and almost feels like it moves when I roll my finger over it. I can only feel it when I press down.

I'm trying my best not to think the worst obviously, but it's difficult as breast cancer runs in my family. My mum had it, my nan didn't but her 2 sisters did, and so did my great grandmother all on my mum's side. I was tested for BRCA1 and BRCA2 when I was 20 so 15 years ago but the tests came back fine. They did say though that doesn't mean it's not genetic as there could be other genes they haven't identified yet. I don't know how much has changed since then. I do check my breasts very regularly but other than that I try not to worry about it too much, until now.

I had a baby 10 months ago but only managed to breastfeed for a couple of days. My lovely husband is telling me it's probably mastitis. I don't think he even knows what that is! But obviously highly unlikely 10 months after breastfeeding for 2 days. I do appreciate he's trying to make me feel better though.

I'm rambling now sorry.

I will obviously call the GP first thing in the morning, but after that what can I expect? I'm currently worrying about stupid things. I've only been back in work for 2 weeks since coming back from maternity leave. I'm also going on holiday 2 weeks today, abroad for a week. If they do refer me for further tests, should I cancel my holiday?

I'm not generally a worrier, but I think subconsciously this has always been my biggest fear.

I'm also a bit scared that they might say it's harmless when it's not. I don't know why I think that will happen, I have no reason to and I'm normally very trusting of health care professionals! My brain just seems to have gone into overdrive.

I'm not full of advice but i didn't want to read and run especially seeing that you're anxious and have had no replies so far so I thought my reply may bump this thread up for you a bit.

I can give you my experience though, which may hopefully ease your concerns a little. I found a lump, very similar to how you've described, I went to see my GP who couldn't feel it however she referred me for a scan to be on the safe side, I was seen within a couple of weeks, and had a scan with a very lovely lady, my lump turned out to be a cyst, shaped like a love heart. I then went through to see the consultant who gave me the all clear, I have since been back with another lump which again was a cyst, they did explain that some ladies do get more cysts then others and they'll expect to see me again at some point in the future.

Personally I wouldn't cancel my holiday, speak to your GP and see what they say, i don't know what the waiting times are like now so you may well have had your holiday before it even comes through, or if your lucky you may be waiting less then 2 weeks like I was. Try not to worry, most cases of lumps do turn out to be something harmless. Good luck and let us know how you get on 🥰

Thank you so much for your reply and for sharing your experience! Glad it all turned out OK for you. I know there's a very good chance it's nothing, I think it's just my family history that's making me extra anxious. Thank you again 🙂

It may be a 'breast mouse' if it moves How to treat Fibroadenomas (breast mouse) | Top Doctors They are benign. I had one.

I found a lump a few months ago, had a mammogram and ultrasound and they found more, but all benign cysts. Was told they'd go away and i'd probably get more, which did happen. I currently have one about an inch across but it moves like the others did so I'm not worrying about it. I'm in my forties.

Thank you so much for your replies.

I saw the GP this afternoon. She could feel the lump and says it should be checked out. However she said they normally ask you to go back after 3 weeks or your next period incase it's hormonal and to do with your cycle.

I explained I take the progesterone only pill back to back due to endometriosis, so don't have periods. So she said she doubts it is to do with my cycle, but I still have to wait 3 weeks and see the GP again. Then if the lump is still there, which she suspects it will be, they will refer me to the breast clinic.